Turkey Captain Remains Indispensable To New Inter Milan Manager Despite Underwhelming Start To 2025/26 Season | OneFootball

Hakan Calhanoglu remains a vital part of the new Inter Milan set-up under Cristian Chivu.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, Chivu views Calhanoglu as ‘indispensable.’

Like last summer, Hakan Calhanoglu has been a subject of wild transfer rumors this year.

Despite being heavily linked with Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, he will spend another season at San Siro.

However, the Turkish midfielder has struggled at the start of the new campaign.

Inter Milan Coach Cristian Chivu Keeps Hakan Calhanoglu in High Regard

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Coppa Italia, Quarter Final match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

After missing a 5-0 rout of Torino due to suspension, Calhanoglu returned to Inter’s starting line-up against Udinese.

Yet, the former AC Milan playmaker was a shadow of his former self as Inter slumped to a shock 2-1 home defeat.

Furthermore, Calhanoglu translated his poor club form to the international level.

Indeed, his performance against Spain last night was unenviable as La Furia Roja trounced Turkey 6-0.

Nonetheless, Cristian Chivu plans to rely heavily on the 31-year-old this term.

However, it’s up to the player to rediscover his rhythm and consistency if he wants to justify Chivu’s faith in him.